Ordering a Vital Record

Important note: VitalChek is our ONLY contracted and approved third-party vendor. Other third-party companies charge customers high fees to “process” or “help apply” for vital record certificates. If you ordered through one of these companies, you can file a consumer complaint online at Washington State Attorney General Consumer Protection Division, or call:
Consumer Resource Center
Monday-Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 pm.
206-464-6684
800-551-4636 (Washington state only)

Ordering or correcting a death certificate for the FEMA COVID-19 Funeral Assistance Program

Online Telephone Mail In-Person

Online
Processing Time	Shipped within 3-7 business days of the Department receiving the order from VitalChek, depending on the shipping option you select. A record problem may cause delays.
Description	Go to www.VitalChek.com at any time. Payment by credit/debit card.
Cost	Nonrefundable fee starts at $40.50* Fee breakdown: $25 certificate fee $8.50 VitalChek fee $7 DOH processing fee $3.00 VitalChek optional identity authentication quiz fee - this will increase the VitalChek fee total to $11.50, and increase the Nonrefundable fee* total to $43.50 *Other fees may apply depending on ordering and shipping method
Requirements	Certificates: Required information Valid ID (En Español) Proof documentation (En Español) Noncertified informational copies: Required information
Telephone
Processing Time	Shipped within 3-7 business days of the Department receiving the order from VitalChek, depending on the shipping option you select. A record problem may cause delays.
Description	Call 1-866-687-1464 at any time. Payment by credit/debit card.
Cost	Nonrefundable fee starts at $40.50* Fee breakdown: $25 certificate fee $8.50 VitalChek fee $7 DOH processing fee $3.00 VitalChek optional identity authentication quiz fee - this will increase the VitalChek fee total to $11.50, and increase the Nonrefundable fee* total to $43.50 *Other fees may apply depending on ordering and shipping method
Requirements	Certificates: Required information Valid ID (En Español) Proof documentation (En Español) Noncertified informational copies: Required information
Mail
Processing Time	Shipped within 6-8 weeks of the department receiving the order and processing payment. A record problem may cause delays.
Description	Send your birth, death or marriage/divorce order form by mail. Payment by check or money order.
Cost	Nonrefundable fee starts at $25.
Requirements	Certificates: Required information Signature Photocopy of valid ID Proof documentation Noncertified informational copies: Required information Signature
In-Person
DOH partners with local Washington health departments for in-person services of most birth and death certificate purchases- check before going to the local health department to make sure they have your record type and year. There might be an additional fee for this service. Customers will receive most orders within the same day.

How long does my order take?

It depends on the way you order and the shipping method you select. The times listed below start after we receive full payment and all required documentation. Missing information or documentation will delay orders.

Check with your local Washington health department for the certificates they offer and if they have in-person services at this time. There might be an additional fee for this service. Customers will receive most orders within the same day.

VitalChek online or by phone orders process and ship within 3-7 business days, depending on the shipping option you select.

By mail, the customer will receive the order within 6-8 weeks after receiving and processing of payment.

How do I check on the status of my order?

I sent it by mail

Before contacting our office, verify that your check or money order processed, on what date, and that the Department of Health cashed it. If your bank processed the check or money order, our office received your order.

If you call our office, provide the customer service representative with the check or money order number and date cashed.

I placed my order online or by phone

Orders placed through our only contracted vendor, VitalChek, have an order number. If you provided your email address, VitalChek sent the receipt to your email. If you did not provide your email during the order, VitalChek sent the receipt to your mailing address. For questions about the order, contact the agency listed on your receipt and have your order number ready.

Shipping notifications only go out by email when an expedited shipping label* is created. You will not receive a shipping notification for items shipped using First Class mail.

*Note, if you have an apostille with your order, DOH creates and sends the shipping label to the Secretary of State to finalize the order. The label creation date does NOT indicate the shipping date. Allow 5-7 business days for tracking to appear.